Zoledronic acid treatment

Zoledronic acid is a treatment that helps strengthen bones and reduce the risk of fractures. It’s usually given once a year by an intravenous (IV) drip. You may be offered it if you have osteoporosis, have recently broken a bone (like your hip), or if tablets aren’t suitable for you.

How it works

Zoledronic acid slows down bone loss, helping your bones stay strong and less likely to break. It prevents new fractures but doesn’t relieve pain from existing ones.

Before and after treatment

• You’ll have blood tests to check calcium, vitamin D, and kidney function.
• Take calcium and vitamin D supplements if advised.
• Drink 1 to 2 glasses of water before and after your infusion.
• Rest afterwards, you may feel tired or achy for a day or two.

The drip takes about 30 minutes.

How treatment is given

Most patients have their infusion in the Endocrinology department at Leeds Teaching Hospitals (LTHT). Some patients may have it at home, given by the CIVAS team from Leeds Community Healthcare (LCH). A nurse will visit your home to give the infusion and monitor you during and after treatment.

Possible side effects

• Side effect: Flu-like symptoms (fever, aches)
• How common? Common after first dose
• What to do: Take paracetamol or ibuprofen; rest, settles in 1 to 2 days.

• Side effect: Bone, muscle, or joint pain
• How common? Sometimes
• What to do: Mild pain relief can help.

• Side effect: Red or sore eyes
• How common? Rare
• What to do: Tell your doctor.

• Side effect: Irregular heartbeat
• How common? Very rare
• What to do: Tell your doctor if you have heart problems.

• Side effect: Jaw or thigh problems
• How common? Extremely rare
• What to do: Keep good dental care; tell your doctor if you have jaw, thigh, or groin pain.

Why take it?

Benefits:

• Helps prevent fractures
• Only once a year
• Long-lasting effect

Possible downsides:

• Mild flu-like symptoms after first dose.
• Hospital or home visit required.

Looking after your bones

• Eat calcium-rich foods (milk, cheese, yogurt, green vegetables)
• Take vitamin D (usually 800 IU daily)
• Do regular weight-bearing and strength exercises
• Don’t smoke or drink too much alcohol
• Take steps to avoid falls

Your local bone health team

• Endocrinology Bone Health Service, Leeds Teaching Hospitals (LTHT): Nurse-led clinics for bone health assessments, treatment, and follow-up.
• Community Intravenous Administration service (CIVAS team), Leeds Community Healthcare (LCH): Provides home infusions for patients who can’t attend hospital once a referral has been received from the endocrinology team.

Important information regarding your Zoledronic acid infusion

If you have recently received a letter or phone call regarding your Zoledronic acid infusion, please note that you remain under the care of the Endocrine team at this stage. The CIVAS team may not yet have received your referral.

Referrals to CIVAS are processed on a weekly basis, and you are likely to be contacted in the coming weeks. Treatment cannot proceed until the Endocrine team has:

• completed and authorized your prescription,
• confirmed that your most recent blood test results are suitable for treatment
• forwarded your referral to the CIVAS Team.

We kindly ask for your patience while these steps are completed. Once your referral has been received, the CIVAS team will contact you directly to arrange your Zoledronic Acid infusion appointment.

Further information

If you want more information about the zoledronic acid treatment, the Royal Osteoporosis Society has a helpful information on this page Drug treatments for osteoporosis: Zoledronate